Aviation Blog

December 26, 2023 | Pilot Law

FAA Medical Certificate with Vertigo

The Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners provides specific guidance for airmen applying for a FAA medical certificate with vertigo. The FAA categorizes benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) into three distinct classifications: resolved vertigo with symptoms lasting one year or less in total duration; multiple episodes with combined symptom duration of one year or more; and […]

December 19, 2023 | Pilot Law

FAA Medical Certificate with High Blood Pressure

Getting your FAA medical certificate with high blood pressure does not have to be difficult. High blood pressure or “hypertension” is a condition that is covered by the FAA’s “CACI” program which stands for “Conditions AMEs Can Issue.” As a result, with a bit of preparation, there is a good chance that your Aviation Medical […]

November 19, 2023 | Pilot Law

FAA Medical Certificate with Migraines

Applying for a FAA medical certificate with migraines or a history of headaches can require a bit of preparation. If you have a history of migraines or other frequent or severe headaches, the FAA requires that you report that history on question 18a. on the 8500-8, application for airman medical certification. There are many different […]

November 19, 2023 | Pilot Law

FAA Medical Certificate with ADHD

Are you trying to get a FAA medical certificate with ADHD? You aren’t alone. In our experience, ADHD is one of the most common reasons why an Aviation Medical Examiner would defer a medical certificate application to the FAA for further evaluation. In our practice, it has been our concern that the threshold for being […]

November 18, 2023 | Pilot Law

FAA Medical Certificate with Asthma

Are you trying to obtain a FAA medical certificate with asthma? In most cases, the process of obtaining a FAA medical certificate with asthma is relatively simple. As with all medical conditions, however, the FAA will assess your history and the current status of your asthma to determine whether your asthma and lung function presents […]

October 21, 2023 | Pilot Law

FAA Medical with Kidney Stones

Getting a FAA medical with kidney stones or a history of kidney stones is possible. Depending on the circumstances of your history of kidney stones, the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) may require no evaluation of your kidney function outside of discussion with your Aviation Medical Examiner. Individuals who may have experienced multiple kidney stones or […]

September 11, 2023 | Pilot Law

FAA Medical Certificate with VA Disability Benefits

Since Summer 2022, there has been significant attention given to airmen trying to get a FAA medical certificate with VA disability benefits. As we have written about many times in various forums, the FAA initiated a “special project” whereby the agency started to contact airmen who had not previously reported their receipt of VA disability benefits […]

August 30, 2023 | Pilot Law

FAA ADHD Fast Track

On August 30, 2023, the FAA published guidelines for what is being called the FAA ADHD Fast Track. The FAA ADHD Fast Track appears to be an effort by the agency to limit the requirement for neuropsychological testing for some applicants with a history of ADHD and treatment with ADHD medication. The scope of these new […]

August 13, 2023 | Pilot Law

FAA Medical with a History of Adjustment Disorder

Getting your FAA medical with a history of Adjustment Disorder is not impossible. As with all mental health conditions, the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) will assess whether your history of Adjustment Disorder presents a risk for recurrent symptoms. In other words, the FAA will want to know if they issue you a medical certificate today, […]

August 11, 2023 | Pilot Law

FAA Medical Following Deep Vein Thrombosis

Are you trying to get your FAA medical following Deep Vein Thrombosis (“DVT”)? A recent history of Deep Vein Thrombosis will require a special issuance authorization by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) in order for you to be issued an airman medical certificate. A special issuance authorization essentially works as a waiver and is a […]